Chiropractic PostGraduate Education A Compilation of Chiropractic CertificationSpecialty

Chiropractic Post-Graduate Education: A Compilation of Chiropractic Certification/Specialty programs FCLB 79 th Annual Congress May 4 -8, 2005 Jaroslaw (Jerry) P. Grod, D. C. Shawn Thistle - B. Kin (Hons) Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College

Introduction There are numerous “specialty” certifications offered to chiropractors Organizations that offer these programs aim to provide more detailed or relevant information on topics such as: orthopaedics, nutrition, neurology, paediatrics, etc. than an undergraduate DC program

Introduction Cont’d PROBLEM: most health care professionals (including chiropractors) do not know the value or significance of these “letters” It is common in chiropractic literature to see numerous designations listed by an individual author – What does this mean to the reader? Is this person an expert? A specialist?

Introduction Cont’d This trend has been called “credential inflation” (Nelson & Lawrence 1995) – many journals now only publish terminal degrees (M. D. , D. C. , M. Sc. , Ph. D. , etc. ), or none at all Objectively assessing the validity of ideas, opinions, or research done by doctors holding these certifications requires knowledge regarding the process of attaining the certification

Purpose To generate a current, and comprehensive document containing information on postgraduate and continuing education chiropractic certification programs This will be a “living document” (webbased, electronic format), updated periodically to reflect creation of new certifications, and elimination of outdated programs

Purpose This document will provide a source of information regarding post-graduate options for chiropractors in the field, as well as students, academics, and any interested third parties

Method A review of the literature was also done using ICL, Alt. Health. Watch, and Med. Line Research in this area is sparse at best, even in other professions A project of this nature has never been undertaken in chiropractic – to our knowledge

Method Hand-search of the literature (1996 -2002) – over 50 trade publications, peer-reviewed and non peer-reviewed journals Websites and publications from political and academic sources within chiropractic …a long, arduous process that was suspended when redundancy was apparent, although it is ongoing…

Method For each certification, relevant contact information will be determined – looking for someone directly involved in the administration of the program Through these contacts (if possible), organizations offering post-graduate programs will be asked to complete a survey to gather information about the program(s)

SURVEY Two options – hard copy or web-based… can be done via email, fax, post Contains 16 sections and is 4 pages in length Accompanied by a letter explaining the objective of this project

SURVEY 1) Length of certification program 2) Nature of program participation 3) Undergraduate or post-graduate requirements 4) Entrance requirements 5) Method of instruction 6) Method of evaluation

SURVEY 7) Course requirements 8) Re-certification requirements 9) Faculty qualifications 10)Recognition of the certification by accrediting bodies or organizations 11)Cost of program and certification 12)Location and accessibility of program internationally

Results thus far… ~ 150 certifications found through handsearch and internet Most common areas include: orthopaedics, neurology, paediatrics, sports and rehabilitation Some are related (ex. CCSP leading to DABCSP), some are proving difficult to track down

Discussion Implications for designation as a specialist Accountability of chiropractic “specialists” and organizations that offer these programs Clarity for interested third parties A resource for choosing a continuing education program

Discussion How should DCs present their postprofessional education so as not to mislead the public? Should boards handle these issues through advertising regulations? Should chiropractic colleges offer master’s degree programs